CHP officer from Solano County earns national heroism honor

Following a tragic chain of events that left a California Highway Patrol officer dead Sept. 4, a fellow officer is being recognized Friday for his acts of heroism in the face of danger, the CHP announced Monday.

Officer Tyler Carlton, a 26-year-old Solano County resident, was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as the nation's top trooper after his partner, Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, was shot and killed along Interstate 680 in Alamo.

Carlton immediately sprang into action and opened fired on the suspect, 36-year-old Christopher Boone Lacy, killing him, "stopping the threat and preventing further shootings by the armed assailant," the CHP said.

Youngstrom later succumbed to his injuries, but authorities credit Carlton's lifesaving efforts with allowing his fallen partner's organs to be donated, as he had wished.

"Officer Carlton displayed extreme courage in the face of overwhelming adversity in an attempt to save Officer Youngstrom," said CHP commissioner Joe Farrow. "His selfless actions that day eventually helped save the lives of others. The California Highway Patrol is extremely proud of Officer Carlton and we are all truly grateful for his devotion to duty, and his love for his family and community."

Four individuals received a new lease on life through organ and tissue donations from Youngstrom, including three from the Bay Area: a 29-year-old mother, who received his left kidney and pancreas; a 52-year-old woman who received his right kidney, after being on a transplant list since 2002; and a 63-year-old woman who was given a liver, authorities said. In addition, a 50-year-old Southern California man received his heart.

Because of his "courageous and heroic actions that day," Carlton was presented with the IACP Trooper of the Year Award at the IACP's mid-year meeting on Friday in New Orleans, La.

Carlton was first assigned to the Westminister Area Office after graduating from the CHP Academy in August 2009. Two years later, he transferred to the Contra Costa Area office, where he continues to serve as a patrol officer.

Officer Carlton said he was honored and humbled to receive the award, which he described as "bittersweet."

"I'm honored to share the story of how my dear friend, Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community that he loved. He is a true hero, and I wish I could give this award to him," Carlton said.

"I'm proud to be a Highway Patrolman, and I'm proud of the work we do," Carlton continued. "I am accepting this award on behalf of Kenyon and all of my other brother and sister CHP officers, as well as the other three troopers who were nominated and every other trooper in this country. I'm proud to call them all my brother and sister."